Content
Hypertonia is the abnormal increase in muscle tone, in which the muscle loses the ability to stretch, which can result in increased stiffness due to the constant signaling of muscle contraction. This situation occurs mainly due to injuries to the upper motor neurons that can happen as a consequence of Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, metabolic diseases and cerebral palsy, which is the main cause of hypertonia in children.
People with hypertonia have difficulty moving, as there is a neuronal dysfunction in the control of muscle contraction, and there may also be muscle imbalance and spasms. It is recommended that the person with hypertonia be accompanied by a neurologist and perform physical therapy sessions to relieve pain and improve movement.
Main signs and symptoms
The main indicative sign of hypertonia is the difficulty in performing movements due to the constant nervous signal of muscle contraction. In the case of hypertonia reaching the legs, for example, the walk may become stiff and the person may fall, as in these cases it is difficult for the body to react quickly enough to regain balance. In addition, other signs and symptoms of hypertonia are:
- Muscle pain due to constant contraction;
- Decreased reflexes;
- Lack of agility;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Lack of coordination;
- Muscle spasms.
In addition, symptoms may vary according to the severity of hypertonia and whether or not it progresses with the disease responsible for this change. Thus, in the case of mild hypertonia, there may be little or no effect on the person's health, while in the case of severe hypertonia there may be immobility and increased bone fragility, in addition to an increased risk of bone fractures, infection, the development of bedsores and development pneumonia, for example.
Thus, it is important that the cause of hypertonia is identified so that the appropriate treatment is initiated with the aim of promoting the person's well-being and improving the quality of life.
Causes of hypertonia
Hypertonia occurs when the regions of the brain or spinal cord that control signals related to muscle contraction and relaxation are damaged, which can happen due to several situations, the main ones being:
- Strong blows to the head;
- Stroke;
- Tumors in the brain;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Parkinson's disease;
- Spinal cord damage;
- Adrenoleukodystrophy, also known as Lorenzo's disease;
- Hydrocephalus.
In children, hypertonia can happen due to damage during intrauterine life or extrapyramidal effect, however it is mainly related to cerebral palsy, which corresponds to changes in the development of the nervous system due to lack of oxygen in the brain or the presence of clots. Understand what cerebral palsy is and what types.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of hypertonia is recommended by the doctor according to the severity of the symptoms presented and aims to improve motor skills and relieve pain, promoting the person's quality of life. For this, the doctor may recommend the use of muscle relaxant drugs that can be used orally or directly in the cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, botulinum toxin can be used to relieve hypertonia in a specific area of the body because its effects are local, not the entire body.
It is also important that physical therapy and occupational therapy be performed to stimulate movement and avoid resistance, in addition to helping with muscle strengthening. In some cases, the use of orthoses may also be indicated, which can be used during rest periods for the person or as a way to help perform movements that are difficult to perform.